What are some relevant careers for combat medics (68W)?

2020-05-15T17:55:25-04:00

I’ve been out of the Army since mid 2018, and like many, have been struggling to find fulfillment in the civilian work-force.

Since discharge (honorable), I’ve found work in minor medical jobs such as medical assistant, ER Tech, phlebotomist, EMT, etc. These jobs are often low-paying, menial, and below the skill level of my military training in ALS interventions and TCCC theory. Not to mention, I find I’m not well-suited to the tediousness office work or interpersonal office-political niceties.

I was wondering if other Medics on this board had found careers that match, or at least, come close their experience in the military. I like working outside, with my hands, I have a passion for prehospital emergency care, and to be perfectly frank, miss the tight-knit sense of camaraderie in the forces.

I’ve looked into security work as well, and would be more than willing to work overseas... if anybody could give me some pointers from their own personal reference or experience, I’d greatly appreciate it. I want to still get out there before I get too old and complacent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 6:06 PM

2020-05-15T18:06:45-04:00

Paramedic school is a great option. Many states have bridge programs to nursing as well. EMTs can't do as much outside of the military. I still maintain my national registry and volunteer with the Red Cross, but couldn't take trying to work a rig as an EMT / driver.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 6:27 PM

2020-05-15T18:27:47-04:00

Check it out. Could be an https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Careers/IntermediateCare

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Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 6:28 PM

2020-05-15T18:28:18-04:00

I'm going to be using my GI Bill Luther go to nursing school. Not sure if that's something you're interested in. I'm gonna get into the critical care side of the house.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 10:02 PM

2020-05-15T22:02:57-04:00

If you want a way to utilize TCCC skills in the civilian world without pursuing additional training, try law enforcement. If you still have your national registry, most departments offer incentives for EMT certified officers. You could also get on the swat team, though not as a medic unless you have your A or paramedic

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made May 15 at 2020 11:32 PM

2020-05-15T23:32:35-04:00

Medic on a swat team. Paramedic. Nursing school. Cath lab tech. Radiology tech.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 15 at 2020 11:59 PM

2020-05-15T23:59:40-04:00

Go to Paramedic school and then get a job with a contracting company in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-05-16T11:59:04-04:00

If you have your paramedic, you can also contract with cruise ships to provide medical care. Another option is things like Remote Medical International, which does have EMT positions open.

Also consider school for things like surgical tech, hyperbaric chamber operator etc. These jobs do tend to pay more with generally better hours.

Response by SPC George Allen made May 16 at 2020 12:19 PM

2020-05-16T12:19:57-04:00

Probably the best job that matches all of your criteria would be to get your national paramedic and work EMS. After completing that since you are ok with security work look into getting into a SWAT medic program and work in conjunction with the SWAT team. The other way you may choose to go is to become a wilderness medic and work out in the woods and mountains. Good luck and hope it all works out the way you want.

Response by SFC James Thurman made May 22 at 2020 12:09 PM

2020-05-22T12:09:29-04:00

Look at training for Fire with a degree

Response by SSG Michael Struppa made May 25 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-05-25T18:37:27-04:00

Go get your paramedic cert and get on a fire department! That's what I did and I love it

Response by SSgt Daniel Dvorkin made Jun 5 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-06-05T14:07:54-04:00

Oh, this sounds familiar. I did exactly the same dance a quarter-century ago. Eventually I ended up in biomedical research, which I like a lot, but I still miss the hands-on rush. FWIW, your best bet is probably to get your paramedic cert. and go from there.

Response by SGT Joseph Current made Jun 13 at 2020 8:50 AM

2020-06-13T08:50:15-04:00

If the pre-hospital setting is where you feel most comfortable and you want to stay within the healthcare arena, going back to school for your RN and training to become a life flight nurse may be a more ideal setting for you. It will take a few years and a degree, but you may find it more fulfilling and you avoid "administrative" tediousness.

Response by PVT James Chen made Jun 14 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-06-14T16:17:39-04:00

PA program.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jan 9 at 2021 9:40 PM

2021-01-09T21:40:57-05:00

Have you given thought to this outfit: https://www.ihs.gov/ ... just a thought...

Indian Health Service | Indian Health Service (IHS)

Response by SGT Susan McKenzie made Aug 17 at 2021 12:55 AM

2021-08-17T00:55:42-04:00

If you kept your EMT-B current, you could work for an ambulance service. Use your 9/11 bill to pay for EMT-P or nursing. I am using mine for RN school.